Airlines and kids

[Evil Queen]

When would or have you let your children fly by themselves?

I'm putting DS10 on a plane in a few weeks alone. I'm a nervous wreck. It's a non-stop flight etc.

When his older brother was young he flew alone often, and even with changing planes, but the older one had much more common sense then this one does. Not saying the younger one isn't smart, he's extremely smart, but he makes me nervous, when I let him do things the older one did, in reference to things like this.

 

[sugarpie]

My kids are young so this hasn't been an issue for me, but I do think with the right child (mature, responsible) it could be a good thing. I lived a very sheltered life when I was younger & I've still never flown by myself. I'm not sure I would fly by myself. He could grow up to be a wonderfully independant young man.

 

[SDFgirl]

I flew alone when I was 8 and made a connection in Atlanta with no problems.

Can you pay extra to have a flight attendant look after him? I think most airlines have Unaccompanied Minor programs, right?

Good luck!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I actually think 10 years old is better than around 12 or 13 - whatever the cutoff age is for the Unaccompanied Minor lable where the Flight Attendants will verify that they are picked up by an authorized adult at the other gate.

 

[NMAmy]

I think dd was about 12. She's 15 now and it still makes me crazy even thought she's perfectly fine with it and thinks I'm an idiot for being concerned.

She leaves this Saturday to go to New Mexico to visit her dad. I'd feel better if there were any non-stop flights but there never are from Detroit to Albuquerque. She switches flights in Denver and she's very familiar with the Denver airport.

It'll be okay but I know it's nerve wracking. Is he flying as an unaccompanied minor? They'll make a big deal out of him--he'll probably have a blast.

 

[NMAmy]

I actually think 10 years old is better than around 12 or 13 - whatever the cutoff age is for the Unaccompanied Minor lable where the Flight Attendants will verify that they are picked up by an authorized adult at the other gate.

Actually, they can fly as an unaccompanied minor until they're 18. At least all the airlines I've used have allowed it up until then. They don't HAVE to fly as an unaccompanied minor after 15 (I believe.) DD prefers to handle it herself since she almost missed a connection last time--she wasn't allowed to at 14 but has been able to since she turned 15. But they'll still give the parent or guardian a gate pass to wait at the gate with them until they're 18.

 

[Evil Queen]

Yes, he's flying as an unaccompanied minor.

They would only allow the non-stop for him (SouthWest).

They said I could go to the gate with him, and they will allow my Mom to be at the gate to meet him.

I think I just have those "mommy fears" being his 1st time. He was asking last year to fly alone, but my sister flew up with him (she was going to visit the parents) and I flew up to get him.

I may still fly up in August if I can wing it. I know if I do we may not have the same return flight or seats, but can't afford the 2 tickets at this time.

Thanks for all the great words. I know I'm just being a worry wart.

 

[bethd]

My son first flew alone at age 10. He is responsible to a point. He flew from SC to NJ. It was harder on me then him. He loved it. We did pay the extra money to have him go as a unaccompined minor. The Flight attendents did keep an eye on him. He also had to have someone meet him at the gate in NJ. It was a great expierence for him.

He will be doing it again in less then 2 weeks as a 12 year old. I'm still paying the extra money to have him fly as a unaccompined minor.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Hannathy]

My DD has flown herself since 1rst grade. I think she had just turned 6 but may have been an old 5. When she flew at 12 they would not accept her as an unaccompanied minor on USAir, which was fine with me and her, saved a lot of money and on a direct flight she said they never did anything for them any how.
I just got permission to take her to the gate. He will be fine, I think it is very important to give kids safe opportunities to learn indeopendence, it really helps their self esteem and maturity.

 

[Chicago526]

I just wanted to inform everyone, don't ever assume what the cut off age for having the unacompanied minor program be required. Some airlines the cut of is 12 (United for example) others are 15 (Continental). Always, always, always confirm the policy with the airilne your child will be flying at the time you make the reservation. Even if you've used the same airline before, policies can change and you don't want to have an unpleasant surprise at the airport!

 

[Evil Queen]

I believe SW is 12, and like I said earlier, they were only allowing the non-stop flights.

I would hate to think of them letting him go alone from the gate to the security check point or vise versa.

 

[ducklite]

I'm sure he'll be fine. Make sure he's got some pocket money and a prepaid calling card (and knows how to use it) just in case for some reason the plane lands in a different place for a bit (due to weather or something along those lines.)

Anne

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I can't believe it now, but my DD flew across the country on a non-stop flight to visit her grandparents when she was 6 1/2! She went out a week earlier than us, so we all flew back together. She did great and had no problems.

She went again a few years after that and then another time with her next youngest brother when they were 11 and 14. My middle two boys have gone together when they were probably about 10 and 13 and last summer my older son went alone when he was 14yo. It will be a long time before my 6yo goes and I can't believe my DD went alone when she was his age.

 

[CathrynRose]

My sons JUST flew to Florida Sunday - to see their Dad.

Last year - they didnt want to go together - and flew alone one week, while one was home, and vice versa. My youngest was 10, also.

I cried. The gate person said "you can go" after he had boarded the plane - but myself, and the other 3 sets of parents just looked at her like she was crazy - and waited until the plan was taxi'n down the runway. But they board them early and them on the plane next to other kids, if possible (youd be suprised how many munchkins are flying solo!) and keep and eye on them the whollllle time. He had his DS to keep him busy - he was fine.

I know it's nerve wracking - BUT he'll be okay!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My 15yo dd flew alone for the first time last week. She even had to do a 40 min. layover. Only 4 terminals next to each other, so no worries of getting lost.
She made it just fine. Even got her own luggage and I pick up her up outside and off we went.
We have flown enough as a family so she knows what to do.